Alkali Resistant Windows for DPAL Applications

Diode pumped alkali lasers have the potential to provide the required high efficiency for a laser-based missile defense system. However, traditional anti-reflective coating materials are not resistant to the alkali vapor environments associated with such systems, contaminating and degrading rapidly with use. Thus the solution to this challenge will almost certainly require the identification of materials that protects the window from the Alkali environment, functions in the lasing environment, and can handle elevated temperatures while still allowing for excellent optical performance. In this effort, Nokomis will demonstrate the potential of a new approach to this problem, demonstrating both the optical properties and alkali resistant behavior of the new materials.